'I'm a gardening expert - do these 3 jobs now to have the best garden in 2026'

Gardeners have been urged to complete three 'essential' tasks in the next few months to ensure their garden thrives in 2026. A horticultural expert addressed a Reddit query asking, 'What three things do I need to do in October, November and December?', detailing the critical jobs that attention in the coming weeks.

The specialist urged green-fingered readers to prioritise getting bulbs planted before October finishes, writing: "Tulips especially need a longer cold period or else they come up stunted in the spring." Continuing, they highlighted November as a pivotal month for undertaking your final weed removal to ease spring upkeep.

"November do your final weeding so you have fresh and tidy garden when your bulbs begin to put on their show. Also in November you should be planting your over-winter crops like garlic.

"Take note of pots what will crack and what tender perennials that will die in the frost, find a protected place for those. Leave the dead branches and things so bugs and small animals have over winter shelter."

Finally, the Mirror reports, they noted that finishing all this preparation work allows you to unwind during a stress-free December, as there's "nothing left to do but look forward to spring."

On maintaining your grass, official recommendations from lawn experts at Hayter suggest that Brits should stop mowing in either late October or early November. According to this schedule, the best time for your garden's final trim would be during Halloween week.

The experts suggested: "Referencing the start of mowing season in spring, mowing should stop when temperatures are consistently at six degrees or lower. If we are having a warmer late autumn and early winter than expected, you may find mowing can continue into early to mid-November."

However, they did warn: "If it's too cold to mow, it's important to still perform regular garden maintenance tasks to keep your lawn healthy for next spring. Late autumn and early winter are the ideal times for maintenance - you should carry out a regular clean-up of garden borders and leaves as and when needed."